Kitesurf in greece. Dodecanese

Dodécanese 2017

As you may have realized trough a few researchs, kiteboarding

into the dodecanese is not much developped and gathering informations is a real challenge but when you look at the wind satistics during summer with the meltem it is just unbelievable ! In fact without considering Kos or Rhodes, kitesurfing is abscent. I might be able to bring a few answers, and help you understand why there is so few infos.

My family, some friends and I sailed in the Diodecanese's Archipelago for two weeks on a catamaran rented in Kos marina. Obviously bringing our kite gears. Before leaving Kos we got the chance to spend two days on kos and kite in Marmari beach (north of the Island), a real good spot, the Beach is oriented side-on. There are fun waves to play with, but be aware that it is difficult for beginners.

After leaving Kos Marina on the catamaran we reached the Island of Plati with turquoise waters. First spot we rode, in the canal between Plati and Pserimos. It was nothing compared to the regular winds on Kos but it still was much better than the rest of the other spots we discovered. 

The Islands of Kalymnos, Leros and Lipsi offered nothing remarkable as we continued our quest. The islands near Arkoi are very similar to the carabeen's one as turquoise and cristal clear water surround islet. We had a ride in the canal between Arki and Marathos but were not able to find a well oriented beach (had to make a take off from the dingy).

We came to the same conclusion in Patmos, eventhough the wind is blowing there are no places to take off. We had a try on a tiny island  called Chiliomodi (SE of Patmos) well oriented but the wind was still gusty. Symi and Tilos are unexploitable excluding Tilos's north bay which we did not explore. 

At last, there is only one spot which convinced us, the island of Gyali (South of Kos) ! Make sure the wind is blowing from the north-west when you are heading up there so it is not too much perturbated by the mountains. This spot is not flawless but it has a lot to offer, on the north of the island is located a beach facing Kos, you can park the boat in the main bay and cross the land to reach the spot, it is not too gusty and you can play with a few waves. On the west of this very same Island is situated an arch where you can kite in the flat water protected by rocks and anchor your boat there as well. It was certainly the best place we found. 

As a final conclusion, the Dodecanese's Archipelago is a treasure for sailing but it may not be your dreaming kite destination !